Snowy Mountains

It was the dawn of Sunday in Wyoming. Gary walked into the kitchen for his first cup of coffee. After he poured his liquid sunshine, he peered out the window. He saw his tire tracks were barely visible and there was light dusting on the cord of firewood that was freshly cut before sunset last evening. Gary lived life to the fullest over the past forty years and this little cabin in the woods was for their retreat. She picked out this private location that had no neighbors for miles. Julie looked forward to the seclusion the mountains offered away from the vibrant New York lifestyle she was accustomed to. Together, Gary and Julie were going to enjoy retirement from their high-pressure and stressful positions in law enforcement.

Gary put on his coat and headed towards the door. He stepped out onto the small front porch and reached for the shovel leaning against the house. He began to push the snow off the edges of the four-foot deck and then continued onto the five steps down to the garden area. Gary visited the garden frequently and kept it clear of ice and snow. He knelt and with his hand brushed off the light accumulation of snow so that the garden stone memorial was legible. Gary bought the stone last summer after her funeral. He had it engraved with her favorite affirmation, “If I can dream it, I can do it”. Julie said that every morning since they met.